ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Reduction of compliances and end-to-end automation of procedure relating to import of certain goods at concessional rate of duty
In a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs  has reduced the compliances required under the Customs  Rules, 2017 and introduced end to end automation of the procedure involved. Towards this end, the online portal has gone live on www.icegate.gov.in today. Importers desirous of availing exemptions linked to these Rules may register on the portal now.
The above rules provide for procedural safeguards to ensure that the goods imported at a concessional rate of duty, subject to an end-use condition, are used for the purpose specified in the exemption notification.
Based on the feedback from the Industry, the procedures were simplified and made paperless and contactless with end-to-end automation. The changes brought about are summarized as follows:
- All the intimations for claiming such exemptions can be submitted electronically, through a common portal that has been notified.
- The various forms in which details need to be submitted electronically have also been standardized and notified.
- The transaction-based permissions and intimations which were a part of the erstwhile procedures have now been done away with.
- Instead of a quarterly return, for effective monitoring of the use of goods for the intended purposes, a monthly statement has been introduced. This statement shall also be submitted by the importer electronically on the Common Portal.
- Accepting the demand of the trade, a specific provision has been introduced clarifying the procedure for allowing imported goods for inter-unit transfer.
- In order to further ease the procedures, an option for voluntary payment through the Common Portal, as specified in the Rules, is being enabled shortly.
For the sake of clarity among trade and industry, the procedure set out in the IGCR Rules, 2017 and the guidelines for smooth implementation have been clarified and elaborated through the Customs Circular 04/2022 dated 27-02-2022. Further, in order to familiarize the trade with the new system based architecture, the DG Systems, CBIC has published System Advisory 06/2022, dated 01-03-2022 and System Advisory 07/2022, dated 01-03-2022.
In addition, the importers have been given an option to follow the erstwhile procedure till 13.03.2022, so as to facilitate the transition in a smooth and seamless manner.
In case of any clarifications/ issues on the modalities involved, the member of the trade can reach out to dircus[at]nic[dot]in. Regarding system related issues, the users can reach out to ICEGATE helpdesk at 1800-3010-1000 or icegatehelpdesk@icegate.gov.in.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be signing an MoU with National Health Authority tomorrow
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be signing an Memorandum of Understanding with National Health Authority for providing an Comprehensive Medical Package to Transgender Persons tomorrow at Nalanda Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath New Delhi. MoU will be signed in the presence of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
This joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Empowerment is first of its kind in the Country and will not only give a new direction to our society, but will also provide Transgender Persons rightful and respectable place in the society.
The beneficiary should be a Transgender person as notified by Government of India holding a Transgender Certificate & amp; Identity Card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons. The scheme would cover all Transgender persons not receiving such benefits from other centre/state sponsored schemes.
Being the nodal Ministry for matters related to Transgender Persons, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken several steps for welfare of Transgender Persons. Ministry enacted “The Transgender Persons  Act, 2019” to bring Transgender Person into the mainstream of the society.
Ministry recently launched SMILE scheme which includes several comprehensive measures for Transgender Community. One of these components is Composite Medical Health which provides a Comprehensive Medical Package to Transgender Persons in convergence with Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Under this initiative, each Transgender Person shall receive a medical cover of Rs. 5 Lakh per year and cost would be fully funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise  scheme. The whole process for beneficiary will be completely cashless.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Top Barons of Automobile Industry praise Prime Minister’s leadership in dealing with COVID.
Steps to revive the sector, Livelihood’s and resource mobilization discussed at length : Shri Prakash Javadekar
Union Minister for heavy industries and public enterprises, Shri Prakash Javadekar today convened a meeting with a group of select CEOs of the Indian Automobile Industry, to understand the possible impact of COVID-19 on the Indian Automobile sector and listen to suggestions from the Industry on possible policy interventions to minimise the impact.
The meeting, held through video conferencing saw suggestions ranging from reviving the sector, ensuring livelihood and mobilization of resources. Union Minister said that not only did the demands were put forth but also very concrete suggestions also came up during the course of discussions.
Very good suggestions like batch testing for workers before joining the work again, online registration, then sanitization of selling points, physical separator between two workers were given during the meeting, said Shri Javadekar.
The Industry highlighted key issues with some suggestions related to Re-opening of the entire Automotive Industry Value Chain ; Support for Dealerships ; Employment support interventions ; Boosting Demand and with respect to the requirement for Financial support.
The Union Minister assured the industry captains that we’ll discuss all these suggestions and demands with respective Ministries like Transport Ministry, Commerce Ministry, Finance Ministry and other Ministries concerned.
The industry barons appreciated Prime Minister’s leadership in dealing with COVID. “India really did very well in managing COVID and we have saved precious lives, now we have to concentrate on livelihood”, stressed the Heavy industries minister.
Mr Arjun Meghwal, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and also Mr ArunGoel, Secretary – Heavy Industries also participated in these deliberations.
The meeting had representation from both the OEMs and also the Auto Component sector. Mr RajanWadhera, President, SIAM and also Mr Deepak Jain, President, ACMA co-led this Industry team. The other senior CEOs who participated included Mr R C Bhargava ; Mr Pawan Munjal ; Mr Vikram Kirloskar and Dr Pawan Goenka.
Ministry of Finance
Importer in Kandla Heroin Case arrested by DRI
Based on intelligence developed jointly with officers of Gujarat ATS , the Officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  are currently examining a consignment, imported by an Uttarakhand based firm at Kandla Port. The consignment arrived at Kandla Port from Bander Abbas port, Iran. The consignment, imported in 17 containers , has gross weight of 394 MT and was declared as “gypsum powder”.
So far, 205.6 kg of heroin, valued at Rs. 1439 crores in illicit market, has been recovered. The detailed examination of the consignment is still undergoing at the port.
During investigation, the importer was not found at the registered address in Uttarakhand. Accordingly, a manhunt was launched across the country to nab the importer. DRI conducted searches at various locations across India to locate the importer. The importer was changing locations and hiding to evade identification. However, persistent and vigorous efforts yielded results and the importer was located in a small village in Punjab. The importer tried to resist and flee, but he was nabbed by the DRI officers.
On the basis of enquiry done so far, DRI has arrested the said importer under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 and he has been produced before the Hon’ble Court of Special Duty Magistrate, Amritsar on 24.04.2022. The Court has granted transit remand to enable the DRI officers to produce the importer before the jurisdictional Court at Bhuj.
Further investigation in the case is under progress.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of Veteran Assamese actor, Nipon Goswami
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Veteran Assamese actor, Nipon Goswami.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Nipon Goswami, who made a pioneering contribution to the Assamese film industry. His diverse works will be remembered by several film lovers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti: PM @narendramodi"
"অসমীয়া চলচ্চিত্ৰ উদ্যোগলৈ অগ্ৰণী অৱদান আগবঢ়োৱা শ্ৰী নিপন গোস্বামীৰ বিয়োগত মৰ্মাহত হৈছো। তেওঁৰ বৈচিত্ৰময় কৰ্মৰাজিক চলচ্চিত্ৰপ্ৰেমীয়ে স্মৰণ কৰিব। তেওঁৰ পৰিয়াল আৰু প্ৰশংসকসকললৈ সমবেদনা জ্ঞাপন কৰিছো। ঔম শান্তি: প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰী @narendramodi"
Cabinet
Cabinet approves official amendments to the Arms  Bill, 2019
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval for official amendments to the Arms  Bill, 2019 moved and passed by the Lok Sabha on December 9th, 2019.
Benefits
It shall deter the potential perpetrators from indulging in illegal arms and ammunition trade and its manufacturing, stream line licensing provisions, better address the present day security needs and effectively deal with the incidents and proliferation and trade of illicit arms and ammunition. At the same time, it will facilitate law abiding licence holders of arms by increasing the duration of arms licence.
The approved amendments to the Arms Act are a step forward in providing licence in electronic form longer validity period of licenses and stricter regulatory mechanism to check illegal possession arms by proposing stricter punishment provisions.
Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI
Two-Day National Brainstorming Session on Empowering Young Scientists of India
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI, IIT , Varanasi and INYAS jointly organised the “National Brainstorming Session on Empowering Young Scientists of India” on 24th and 25th January 2023 to assimilate ideas for enhancing the avenues of empowering young scientists of India in the current research ecosystem. The event was held at the Senate Hall, Swatantrata Bhawan, BHU, Varanasi. The two-day brainstorming session was held as part of the initiative on Empowering Young Scientists by the Office of PSA with the aim of collating inputs on a new policy document to nurture and empower the next generation of young scientists and researchers  that would translate into excellence in scientific and technological leadership for furthering the research and development in the country.
The inaugural session held on 24th January 2023 was graced by the presence of Dr.  Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, and Dr Pramod K. Jain, Director, IIT , Varanasi. Professor Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director, IUAC, New Delhi and Chief Guest, delivered the valedictory address on 25th January 2023. The 2-day session coordinated by Dr Monoranjan Mohanty, Adviser/Scientist ‘G’, Office of the PSA and organised by Prof. Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Dept. of Mining Engineering, IIT , Varanasi, saw Keynote speakers, panellists and distinguished participants from various Ministries, Academic and National R&D Labs, IITs, Central and State Universities present their viewpoints.
The discussions were held in 7 sessions corresponding to 7 major topics concerning research and education, i.e. Ease of Doing Research/Facilitating Research; Opportunities for Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research; Research Ethics; Challenges at Workplace and Family Support; Grievance Redressal and Incentivising Research; Performance Criteria and Promotion Policy; and Career Growth Opportunities and Capacity Building. The participants shared their concerns and aspirations about their research and academic pursuits and also suggested solutions for addressing the concerns raised, especially for young scientists.
The conclusions and recommendations of the brainstorming session will serve as inputs for a policy document being prepared by the Office of the PSA, GoI, to empower young scientists in India.
Ministry of Defence
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF PROCEEDS ON A VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITALY
General MM Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff  has proceeded on a visit to the United Kingdom and Italy from 05 to 08 July 2021. During the four day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leaders of these countries with an aim of enhancing India’s defence cooperation.
Visit to United Kingdom is scheduled for two days  during which the COAS will interact with the Secretary of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of General Staff and other dignitaries. He will also be visiting various army formations where he will exchange ideas on issues of mutual interest.
During the second leg of his tour , the Army Chief will be holding important discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Staff of the Italian Army. Additionally, the COAS will also inaugurate the Indian Army Memorial in the famous town of Cassino and will be briefed at the Italian Army’s Counter IED Centre of Excellence at Cecchingola, Rome.
Ministry of Defence
MAHARASHTRA LEGISLATORS WITNESS NAVAL OPERATIONS AT SEA
The Western Naval Command demonstrated a representation of its operational capabilities during a 'Day at Sea' organised for MPs, MLAs, MLCs and government officials of Maharashtra on 10 Nov 22 off Mumbai. The event was in line with the Hon'ble PM's vision of creating greater sea consciousness amongst all sections of the society, especially in coastal states.
125 guests and officials, including 25 MLAs, embarked frontline warships of Western Fleet, INS Chennai, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Teg. The programme provided the guests a good opportunity to witness day-to-day naval operations and life onboard Indian Navy ships.
Highlights of the day included exercises such as simulated attack by Fast Attack Craft, an air power demonstration, search and rescue by Chetak helicopters, sonar dunk operation by a Sea King helicopter, underway replenishment and personnel transfer at sea. To expose the dignitaries to all facets of naval operations at sea, a submarine demonstration was also conducted.
Hon'ble Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Adv. Rahul Narwekar and Hon'ble Minister, Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil were among dignitaries that embarked ships. Senior officials of the command interacted with all visiting dignitaries and provided them an overview of operations undertaken by the Indian Navy with emphasis on threats and challenges the nation faces in the maritime domain. The Day at Sea was intended to provide legislators and government officials an understanding of the crucial role the Navy plays in national security and nation-building, and expose them to the rigours and challenges of a life at sea.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
A doyen of Manipuri dance Shri Rajkumar Singhajit Singh bags Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for 2014
(A doyen of Manipuri dance Shri Rajkumar Singhajit Singh has been selected for the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for the year 2014. He has distinguished himself both as an outstanding teacher, performer and choreographer. His work over the years bears witness to his creativity within the framework of traditional Manipuri dance. His choreography has been enriched by elements incorporated from various forms of performing arts of Manipur such as Thang-ta, Nata-Sankirtana, Lai-haraoba and Rasleela. The award recognizes his contribution in keeping the tradition of Manipuri dance alive and vibrant, promoting harmony through dance and also pays tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, who, deeply influenced by Manipuri dance, made it an integral part of the education curriculum at Visva Bharati.
The Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for the years 2015 & 2016 is being conferred on the Chhayanaut  and on one of India’s greatest sculptors, Shri Ram Vanji Sutar, respectively.
The Jury under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and comprising of the Chief Justice of India, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Shri N. Gopalaswami & Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe after detailed discussions on 24th October, 2018 unanimously decided to select Shri Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Chhayanaut and Shri Ram Vanji Sutar to be the recipients of the Tagore Award for the years 2014, 2015 & 2016 respectively, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to cultural harmony.
The annual award was instituted by the Government of India during the commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
The first Tagore Award was conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012 and second was conferred on Shri Zubin Mehta in 2013. The award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item. The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or sex.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS PRESIDENT’S COLOUR TO INS DRONACHARYA
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya in Kochi today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the maritime strength remains critical to India’s strategic, military, economic and commercial interests. For a nation like India, the fifth largest economy in the world, with a long coastline, island territories and substantial seafaring population, having a strong and modern Navy is of very high importance.
The President said that for the last 75 years, a combat-ready, multi-dimensional and versatile Indian Navy has not only deterred our adversaries and safeguarded our maritime interests, but also enabled creation of a peaceful periphery to facilitate socio-economic growth. The Nation is proud of the Indian Navy’s commitment in protecting our maritime borders, securing our trade routes and rendering assistance during calamities.
The President noted that over the years, the Indian Navy has developed significant capabilities to be a mission-deployed and response-ready force across the Indian Ocean Region, and be the ‘First Responder’ to any contingency, in our maritime neighbourhood. She said that the country looks up to the Navy to protect our maritime interests.
Speaking about her visit to INS Vikrant, just before the Colour presentation function, the President said that the indigenously built modern aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Today, India is among select few nations with a capacity of building an aircraft carrier with indigenous technology. She appreciated the entire team of Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited and everyone associated in the journey of INS Vikrant. She said that India is proud of the brave men and women of the Indian Navy for serving the nation with distinction and dedication.
Please click here to see the President's speech-
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID Vaccination in Rural Areas – Myths vs. Facts
Pre-registration for vaccination through online registration and prior booking of appointment is not mandatory to avail of vaccination services.
Anyone, aged 18 years or more, can directly go to the nearest vaccination Center where vaccinator performs the on-site registration and provides vaccination in the same visit.This is also popularly known as “walk-ins”.
The facilitated registration through the Common Service Centers  on Co-WIN, is just one of the many modes of registration on Co-WIN. The facilitators such as health workers or ASHAs, also mobilize beneficiaries in rural areas and those residing in urban slums, for on-site registration and vaccination directly at the nearest vaccination centers. The facility for assisted registrations through the 1075 Help Line has also been operationalized.
That, all the above modes, specifically operationalised for rural areas, are functional and enabling equitable access to vaccination in rural areas, is evident from the fact that, as on 13.06.2021, out of the 28.36 crore beneficiaries registered on Co-WIN, 16.45 crore  beneficiaries have been registered in the on-site mode. Also, out of the the total 24.84 crore vaccine doses recorded on Co-WIN as on 13th June 2021, 19.84 crore doses  have been administered through onsite/ walk-in vaccination.
From 01.05.21 till 12.06.21, out of the total 1,03,585 COVID Vaccination Centers [CVCs] providing vaccination services, 26,114 are operated at the Sub-Health Centers, 26,287 at the Primary Health Centers and 9,441 at the Community Health Centers, amounting to 59.7% of the total vaccination centers. All of these CVCs at the Sub-Health Centers, the Primary Health Centers and the Community Health Centers are in rural areas where people can directly walk-in for on-site registration and vaccination.
Out of the total 69,995 vaccination centers so far classified by states on Co-WIN as rural or urban, 49,883 vaccination centers, i.e. 71%, are located in rural areas.
The coverage of vaccination in tribal area – As per the data available on Co-WIN as on 3rd June, 2021 –
- Vaccination per million population in tribal districts is higher than the National average.
- 128 out of 176 Tribal Districts are performing better than all India vaccination coverage.
- More walk-in vaccinations are happening in Tribal Districts as compared to National average.
- Gender ratio for people vaccinated is also better in the tribal districts.
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National
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Tribal districts
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Doses per million population
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1,68,951
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1,73,875
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Male : Female ratio
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54 : 46
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53 : 47
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Walk-in: Online vaccination
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81 : 19
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- : 12
Above statistics bust the myth/misconception about the rural-urban divide as the Co-WIN system offers a completely flexible and inclusive framework for facilitating vaccination recording in rural areas, and especially in the remotest parts of the Country.